2005 OBXT 5MT - going in for 105K service tomorrow

3837 Views 27 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Michael Aos, Feb 7, 2013

Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2013

It's at ~104.5K, but the timing is right to drop it off at the shop.

Also planning to get the rear sway bar end-links replaced at the same time. And figure out why the windshield washer isn't working.

Anything else I should consider while they have it?

Planning to have the windshield replaced and lots of tinting done later in the week, and then hopefully not spend a lot more money and just drive this thing.

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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 17, 2013

Parts:
Timing belt - 167.45
Timing Belt Tensioner - 168.63
2x Timing Belt Idler Pulley 13073AA142 - 170.98
Timing Belt Idler Pulley 13073AA230 - 85.49
Timing Belt Idler Pulley 13085AA880 - 94.67
Water Pump (OEM) - 165.95
Water pump gasket - 12.60
Oil pump o-ring - 6.40
Front Crank Seal - 8.57

Labor:
timing belt - 243
timing belt tensioner - 22.50
timing belt idlers - 180
water pump - 45
oil pump o-ring - 22.50
front crank seal - 22.50
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So right about $1500 out the door, with tax and shop supplies, etc.

They didn't do the cam seals though, which would have added a couple hundred dollars.

They also said they installed a new thermostat inside the new water-pump, but I don't see that as a line-item on my invoice.

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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 17, 2013

tdelker said:
The water pump is probably not necissary. Up to you if you want to do it for piece of mind.

I'm not a mechanic, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

I guess I just had the impression you should "always" replace the water pump when you do the timing belt.

This particular car spent much of it's early life in salty New York, if that makes any difference.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 17, 2013

When I bought the 2005 OBXT 5MT, I had a bunch of competing priorities.

Since I was coming from a 2011 Outback 2.5i Limited, "Fun to drive" was more toward the top (since the 2011 Outback wasn't fun at all).

Now that I've has the 2005 for a few months, I feel like my focus is more on dependability / reliability.

I'm PROBABLY going to replace the Outback in / by / around 2015 (and I typically only drive around 5K miles/yr), but the future is awfully hard to predict.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 21, 2013

I wound up having the water-pump replaced.

I had already authorized it, and they already had the parts.

I've noticed a "hot" / burnt smell a couple times since I got it back.

Right now I'm assuming something dropped onto the exhaust during the maintenance and will burn-off before too long.

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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 24, 2013

tdelker said:
I would ask if they would let you supply a gates timing belt kit.

After some more reading, I kind of wish I had done that.

Maybe next time.

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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 24, 2013

tdelker said:
Coolant change if you missed it at 90k.

I see where the previous owner got an estimate for the 90K Service when the vehicle was at 91,404 on 10-Nov-2011.

I don't see where it was ever actually performed though...

Spark plugs were replaced at 94,002.

I kind of assumed the coolant would be changed when they replaced the water pump, there there's no mention of it on my bill.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jan 24, 2013

tdelker said:
Yes, they could have simply pored the old coolant back in. I did that after draining the system to replace the hose. They would have added coolant to the list of itemized parts if they used new, as they tend to like to nickle and dime.

Tom

Should I be concerned that the coolant is "old"?

I remember my grandpa having a 70's Ranchero. Apparently he left the coolant in it too long (10yrs) and it turned acidic and ate gaskets to the point it dumped antifreeze into the motor.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #24 · Jan 31, 2013

ipa said:
Did you have your valve clearance checked as part of your 105k service?

No, that's not part of the 105K as far as I can ascertain.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #25 · Jan 31, 2013

tdelker said:
The coolant should have been changed at 90k, and should be changed again at 120k. If you are unsure about what happened during the time belt change, I would make sure it gets changed at 120k, and remember the Subaru 'special sauce.'

Yes, that's exactly the issue. That and water pump failure because there is no lube left in the antifreeze.

Tom

I need to go through the previous owners service records again. I found where the dealer recommended changing the coolant, but I don't see where it was ever done.

Lets say it wasn't done -- how big a deal is it to wait for the 120K? I definitely plan to have it done at 120K. I'm just not especially excited about doing it 105K and AGAIN at 120K, and I would really like to be in sync with the maintenance schedule.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #26 · Feb 1, 2013

subJ said:
So are you happy with your 2005 OBXT 5MT? I'm considering buying one for my son to borrow to get to school (a commute). Any words of wisdom or warnings???

It's my understanding you should really like the motor come up to temperature before you start stressing it / the turbo.

My commute is about 15 miles each way. The first ~5 miles are 25mph - 45mph. Then I hit the Interstate (65-80mph) for about 10 miles and finally a little bit of 45mph to the parking-lot.

The Outback XT sure is nice for buzzing back and forth in fast traffic on the Interstate. It likes to go fast.

After spending a couple months on this forum, I'm kind of concerned the motor will spontaneously self-destruct, but otherwise I'm sure liking it.
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Michael Aos

Discussion Starter · #28 · Feb 7, 2013

tdelker said:
Call the shop that did your 105k service and see if they put in fresh antfreeze. I don't think you're sure on that point yet.

If the fluid has been in there since 60k, you should get it changed. Can't really tell you what waiting another 15k will do.

Received an e-mail reply from the shop (not the mechanic). They said MOST of the coolant was replaced with the 105K service, and no problem waiting until the 120K.

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